Recognition and Risk

Ethnic Monitoring, Healthcare Access and Everyday Discrimination in Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Communities in the UK

Bibliographic Data

ID11164591
AuthorsGyozo Molnar (0000-0003-1732-5672, University of Worcester, corresponding author), Peter Unwin (0000-0003-1985-1959, University of Worcester), Rosamaria E Kostic Cisneros (0000-0002-8169-0642, Coventry University), Rosemary Cisneros, Shamus McPhee (Independent Researcher UK), Allison Hulmes (0009-0009-6508-4771, Swansea University), Stacey Hodgkins (University of Worcester)
Year2026
Volume48
Issue4
Pagese70177-e70177
Publication date2026-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociology of Health & Illness (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0141-9889 • E-ISSN: 1467-9566
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1467-9566.70177
PMID41903126
OpenAlexW7142189447
LanguageEN
References cited26

Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities experience stark health inequalities in the UK, including reduced life expectancy and limited‐service access. Ethnic monitoring within the National Health Service is promoted as a tool to identify and address such inequalities, yet how these communities experience such practices remains underexplored. Drawing on 11 co‐produced focus groups with 86 self‐identified Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller participants across the UK, this article examines perceptions surrounding ethnic monitoring. Using Bourdieu's concepts of field, habitus, symbolic violence and social capital, alongside intersectionality, we reveal how disclosure of ethnicity is simultaneously desired as recognition and feared as potential stigmatisation. Participants reported identity concealment, inadequate categorisation, racism, gendered and cultural barriers and literacy and digital exclusions, while also expressing desire for visible signs of respect and cultural recognition. Ethnic monitoring emerges not as a neutral administrative practice, but as a contested site where power differentials are reproduced. Only if reframed as a practice of recognition and justice, supported by inclusive categories, cultural competence and genuine partnership with Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller organisations, can ethnic monitoring contribute to health equity

Competence (human resources) · Cultural competence · Ethnic group · Focus group · General partnership · Health care · Health literacy · Inequality · Perception · Service provider · Irish and British Studies · Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics · Romani and Gypsy Studies

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Open DOIOpen Access